At least 100 army officers have shown support for Madagascar's self-proclaimed president, Marc Ravalomanana, amid growing signs of division within the military.

As many as 200 officers pledged allegiance to Mr Ravalomanana on Thursday, including many who were not present but sent letters expressing loyalty, reports the French news agency, AFP.

Ratsiraka's portraits have been taken down

In an effort to resolve the crisis, a delegation from the Organisation of African Unity African has held talks with Madagascar's two rival rulers.

Mr Ravalomanana declared himself president last month, saying he beat the incumbent, Didier Ratsiraka, outright in December's election - a claim denied by Mr Ratsiraka who says there should be a run-off.

The political crisis is threatening to split the island state, where five provincial governors have said they recognise an alternative capital to the opposition-controlled Antananarivo.

'Civil war'

According to two generals who have sworn allegiance to the new administration, 90% of the country's soldiers now support Mr Ravalomanana.